Showing of Haute Couture “Canadiana” Hats Designed for Kate Middleton: Seven hats modeled before royal visit’s first scheduled event in Ottawa on July 1st

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE Media Advisory For Immediate Release: June 29, 2011 Showing of Haute Couture “Canadiana” Hats Designed for Kate Middleton: Seven hats modeled before royal visit’s first scheduled event in Ottawa on July 1st Ottawa, ON – Media are invited to a showing of the series of haute couture hats that have been commissioned by Canadian designers to provide a glimpse into what defines Canada today. The hats can be viewed at HatsforKate.ca, are being profiled on Grazia and have already generated a swell of social media activity. WHEN: 9:00-10:00 a.m. on July 1st or by arrangement on June 30th WHERE: St. Laurent Room Lord Elgin Hotel 100 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON (a 10 minute walk from Parliament Hill) WHAT / PHOTO OP: Seven hats will be modeled at 9:15 a.m. Interview ops with Gillian McEachern, Environmental Defence Breakfast foods and beverages will be served BACKGROUND: The ‘Hats for Kate’ were commissioned for the royal couple, who are in Canada on their first official trip abroad, to welcome them with a taste of Canadian culture and to show how much Canada has changed since Will’s childhood visit. The hats were commissioned by Environmental Defence (www.environmentaldefence.ca ), and jointly released with the U.K. Tar Sands Network (www.no-tar-sands.org ) to make the point that Canada is not the country the couple might be expecting, with the tar sands especially damaging the country’s reputation around the world. For media unable to attend the event, a separate photo opportunity can be arranged. About Environmental Defence (www.environmentaldefence.ca ): Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all. About UK Tar Sands Network (www.no-tar-sands.org ): The UK Tar Sands Network campaigns in partnership with Indigenous communities affected by the Tar Sands oil developments in Canada. We target governments, UK companies, banks and investors operating in the Alberta Tar Sands. -30- For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact: Stephanie Kohls, Environmental Defence – 647.280.9521 Gillian McEachern, Environmental Defence (in Ottawa) – 613.292.4416